AU threatens South Sudan warring factions with sanctions

ADDIS ABABA: The African Union has joined regional and international organizations in threatening South Sudan’s warring factions with sanctions.

The African Union’s Peace and Security Council said Saturday it will impose sanctions on all parties in South Sudan who continue to undermine the cessation of hostilities agreement. The council urged the government and rebels to establish the structure for a transitional government of national unity before the end of the African Union summit in Addis Ababa. The U.N. Security Council and IGAD have also threatened sanctions on those hindering the peace process.

Fighting broke out December 2013 between President Salva Kiir’s troops and those loyal to former vice president Riek Machar.

The two sides have signed several peace deals brokered by neighboring governments, but none have stopped the warfare.